The Pomeranian: thinking of getting a Pomeranian?

Place of origin: The Pomerania region of Northeast Germany and Northwest Poland

How big do Pomeranians get? 17 – 30cm

How heavy are Pomeranians? 2 – 3.5kg

Life Expectancy: 12 – 16 years

Colour: White, Black, Grey-shaded, Tan, Brown, Orange

Please note: A dog’s exercise, training/stimulation and grooming requirements can depend on several factors such as age and health. The same goes for ongoing costs of ownership. For advice on one specific dog, we always advise chatting with a vet.

How much exercise does a Pomeranian need?

Pomeranians may be lively and energetic, but their exercise needs don’t reflect this. You’ll only need to take your Pomeranian on 2 brisk walks every day – usually in the morning and again at night.

If you’re seeking a companion who won’t have you trekking up and down rolling hills and winding country lanes every other day, a Pomeranian may be your perfect match.

Training: how to train a Pomeranian

Pomeranians are highly intelligent. You’ll find that they pick up tricks and learn commands quickly – but that they can pick up bad habits quickly too.

They’re independent-natured and can be stubborn at times, although they respond well to treats and positive reinforcement – the more of your attention they get, the better!

As with most breeds, try to start your Pomeranian’s training when they’re at as young an age as possible and always use positive reinforcement.

Grooming: do Pomeranians shed?

So your Pomeranian won’t take up too much of your free time on the exercise front, but that’s just as well because you’ll be doing plenty of vacuuming!

Pomeranians are big shedders and high maintenance in the grooming department. You’ll need to brush their coat every day to keep it in tip-top condition. If not regularly tended to, a Pomeranian’s coat is prone to tangling.

Complete your Pomeranian’s grooming routine with regular tooth brushing, nail clips and ear checks. A bath every once in a while is a good idea too.

Pomeranian temperament, socialising and ideal home environment

Pomeranians are true extroverts who love their owners’ attention. They tend to bark a lot, which makes them great guard dogs.

Barking is an aspect of their territorial nature, a nature which means they can be reserved or suspicious around strangers and other pets. Pomeranians are better suited to individuals and couples than larger households – although with the right amount of reward-based training and patience, they can make great family pets indeed.

Cost of owning a Pomeranian

When considering the lifetime cost of owning a Pomeranian, remember to take into account:

• Breed-specific food
• Veterinary care
• Pet insurance
• Kennels or dog sitters
• Grooming costs
• Toys and equipment

Need more info?

For more info on finding the best dog breed for you and your lifestyle, have a chat with your vet.

Find your nearest vet using our Find a Vet page, or speak to a vet online using Online Vets.